Samsung has showcased its first tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.

The device, displayed behind glass, offers a first glimpse of Samsung’s next leap in foldable technology.

The Galaxy Z TriFold features a dual-hinge design that folds inward twice in a “G” shape, transforming from a 6.5-inch standard smartphone display into a 10-inch tablet-sized screen.

This surpasses the 8-inch main screen of the Galaxy Z Fold7, positioning the TriFold as Samsung’s most ambitious foldable yet.

Image credit: @UniverseIce on X

Although attendees were not able to handle the device, an animated demonstration illustrated its folding mechanism.

Early leaks suggest the phone will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with 12GB RAM and a 200MP primary camera capable of up to 100x zoom. Software is expected to be optimised for multi-window use across the three-screen layout.

Samsung’s tri-fold launch signals a strategic push to redefine the smartphone market, bridging the gap between phones, tablets and laptops.

The company plans to integrate the TriFold into its wider ecosystem, including Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and Samsung Health.

The device comes as competition in the foldable sector intensifies.

Market tracker Counterpoint Research reports Samsung’s global foldable market share fell to 9% in Q2 2025, while Huawei leads with 45%, following its Mate XT tri-fold launch.

Apple is also rumoured to be entering the foldable space with a potential iPhone 18 foldable model.

Production of the TriFold is expected to be limited initially, with estimates between 50,000 and 200,000 units for select Asian markets including South Korea, China, Singapore and Taiwan.

Pricing is expected to be around 4 million won (A$2,800), though Samsung has yet to confirm.

A spokesperson said the showcase reflects “ongoing R&D efforts”, with a broader release planned before the end of the year.